News Staff Report
At a special meeting Friday, July 31, via video conference, the Escambia County Board of Education declared an emergency “regarding public health, safety or convenience pursuant to Section 16-13B-3 of the Code of Alabama for any and all items necessary for the needs of our schools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (To include, but not limited to, supplies and equipment related to technology and remote / virtual learning, sanitizing supplies, PPE and equipment, materials and supplies necessary for the safety and well being of the students and staff).”
The code allows the superintendent and the board to bypass the bid process if necessary during the pandemic. The code is “In case of emergency affecting public health, safety, or convenience, so declared in writing by the awarding authority, setting forth the nature of the danger to public health, safety, or convenience involved in delay, contracts may be let to the extent necessary to meet the emergency without public advertisement. Such action and the reasons therefor shall immediately be made public by the awarding authority.”
The board also approved the following personnel recommendations by Superintendent John Knott.
Resignation
1. Darlene Kyles, secretary, Escambia County High School, effective May 21, 2020
2. Schemenia Reynolds, teacher Aide, Escambia County High School, effective May 21, 2020
Retirement
1. Edward Morris, automotive teacher, Escambia Career Readiness Center, effective September 1, 2020
Transfer
1. Amber Leigh Ann Rowland, elementary teacher, Escambia County Middle School, to special education teacher, Flomaton Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020 (replacing Ashley Mosley)
Employment
1. Heather Cook, assistant principal, Escambia County Middle School, effective July 30, 2020 (replacing Lotoya Cooper)
2. Michelle Brantley, registered nurse, Escambia County Middle School, effective August 3, 2020 (replacing Alice Stewart)
3. Kelsey Wilson, elementary teacher, Rachel Patterson Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020 (replacing Marci Anna Pouncey)
4. Cody Dixon, science teacher, W.S. Neal High School, effective August 3, 2020 (replacing Teralyn Kast)
5. Lena Lindsey, counselor, W.S. Neal High School, effective August 3, 2020 (replacing Leketha Bradley)
Employment change
1. Tracy Burch, academic interventionist, Escambia County High School, to English / language arts teacher, Pollard McCall Junior High School, effective August 3, 2020 (replacing Amy Dullard)